Colonoscopy is one of the most important investigations used in gastrointestinal system disease. Diseases for which the procedure is used include suspected tumors, ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases and polyps among others. The main piece of equipment used here is the colonoscope. For some of these conditions, the procedure may actually be used as a therapeutic intervention. Before undergoing colonoscopy Morrilton AR residents need to understand a number of things beforehand.
Screening is, without a doubt, the commonest reason as to why this procedure is prescribed. Persons who have a positive history of colonic tumors (especially among first degree relatives), should have the procedure performed regularly. This will provide an opportunity to make timely interventions in case precancerous lesions exist. If suspicious lesions are encountered, tissue specimens are taken to be studied further by a pathologist.
Since it is a fairly invasive procedure, there is a need for adequate preparation. Part of it entails cleaning the colon (also referred to as colon prep). This is a procedure that is typically carried out in 24 to 48 hours. Laxatives are usually administered at this time and one is required to be strictly on liquid diet. A number of laxatives that can achieve the required results in just a few hours have been introduced to the market.
The general recommendations for the liquid diet include water, coffee, tea, gelatin and clear juices. Red and purple colored drinks, wine and grape juice should be avoided as they are likely to interfere with the appearance of the colon (and hence the interpretation of the test). Note that the liquid diet is likely to increase your bowel movements which will make you hungrier. You may also experience a bout of diarrhea.
The doctor will need your medical history and they will also conduct a physical examination on you to have an idea of what your problem is. They will also be interested in finding out whether you are taking any drugs that are likely to increase your risk of bleeding. Such may include blood thinners or aspirin. Such drugs should ideally be stopped about two weeks before the procedure.
Sedation is usually used to minimize the discomfort that is associated with the insertion of the colonoscope. The presence of the colonoscope in the large intestine stimulates bowel movement and passage of flatus. There may be a bit of abdominal cramping as well but this lasts for just a few minutes. Taking a deep breath helps minimize this cramping.
On average, the procedure takes about one hour except when it gets complicated. In most places, it is offered as a day case which means that you can go home on the same day that the procedure is carried out. You may be required to spend a few hours at the facility as the sedation wears off. Once you are released from hospital make a point of re-hydrating yourself adequately.
Colonoscopy is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. It can be performed on virtually anyone with very few complications if at all. The most common side effects include vomiting, dizziness and fever all of which can be easily managed. While a single test mat be adequate for most people, others require several of them.
Screening is, without a doubt, the commonest reason as to why this procedure is prescribed. Persons who have a positive history of colonic tumors (especially among first degree relatives), should have the procedure performed regularly. This will provide an opportunity to make timely interventions in case precancerous lesions exist. If suspicious lesions are encountered, tissue specimens are taken to be studied further by a pathologist.
Since it is a fairly invasive procedure, there is a need for adequate preparation. Part of it entails cleaning the colon (also referred to as colon prep). This is a procedure that is typically carried out in 24 to 48 hours. Laxatives are usually administered at this time and one is required to be strictly on liquid diet. A number of laxatives that can achieve the required results in just a few hours have been introduced to the market.
The general recommendations for the liquid diet include water, coffee, tea, gelatin and clear juices. Red and purple colored drinks, wine and grape juice should be avoided as they are likely to interfere with the appearance of the colon (and hence the interpretation of the test). Note that the liquid diet is likely to increase your bowel movements which will make you hungrier. You may also experience a bout of diarrhea.
The doctor will need your medical history and they will also conduct a physical examination on you to have an idea of what your problem is. They will also be interested in finding out whether you are taking any drugs that are likely to increase your risk of bleeding. Such may include blood thinners or aspirin. Such drugs should ideally be stopped about two weeks before the procedure.
Sedation is usually used to minimize the discomfort that is associated with the insertion of the colonoscope. The presence of the colonoscope in the large intestine stimulates bowel movement and passage of flatus. There may be a bit of abdominal cramping as well but this lasts for just a few minutes. Taking a deep breath helps minimize this cramping.
On average, the procedure takes about one hour except when it gets complicated. In most places, it is offered as a day case which means that you can go home on the same day that the procedure is carried out. You may be required to spend a few hours at the facility as the sedation wears off. Once you are released from hospital make a point of re-hydrating yourself adequately.
Colonoscopy is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. It can be performed on virtually anyone with very few complications if at all. The most common side effects include vomiting, dizziness and fever all of which can be easily managed. While a single test mat be adequate for most people, others require several of them.
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